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Official Description

Lipoprotein, blood; high resolution fractionation and quantitation of lipoproteins including lipoprotein subclasses when performed (eg, electrophoresis, ultracentrifugation)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 83701 refers to a specialized blood test that measures lipoprotein levels through high resolution fractionation and quantitation of lipoproteins, including their subclasses when necessary. Lipoproteins are complex biochemical structures composed of lipid molecules, which are fats, bound to proteins. These structures play a crucial role in the transport of lipids throughout the body via the bloodstream. Lipoproteins can vary significantly in size and density; they can be large and less dense, where the fat content exceeds the protein content, or small and more dense, where the protein content surpasses the fat content. The origins of these lipoproteins can be either exogenous, derived from dietary fats, or endogenous, produced by the liver. To perform this test, a blood sample is collected, typically through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable. The process of high resolution fractionation involves advanced techniques such as quantitative electrophoresis or ultracentrifugation. In quantitative electrophoresis, an electrical field is applied to separate the lipoprotein molecules, which are subsequently stained and quantified using a densitometer. Alternatively, ultracentrifugation separates lipoproteins based on their hydrated densities, utilizing salts to fractionate them. During this process, the specimen is centrifuged, allowing for the separation of very low density and low density lipoproteins from high density lipoproteins, with the amounts of each type being quantified. This detailed analysis is essential for assessing and managing conditions related to elevated triglyceride levels and cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in patients with diabetes.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 83701 is indicated for the assessment of lipoprotein levels and subclasses in various clinical scenarios. The following conditions may warrant this testing:

  • Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment This test is performed to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly in patients with known risk factors such as diabetes or elevated triglyceride levels.
  • Hyperlipidemia Evaluation It is indicated for patients presenting with abnormal lipid profiles, allowing for a more detailed understanding of lipoprotein subclasses that may contribute to hyperlipidemia.
  • Monitoring Treatment Efficacy The procedure can be used to monitor the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapies in patients undergoing treatment for dyslipidemia.
  • Familial Dyslipidemias It is indicated for the diagnosis and management of inherited disorders affecting lipid metabolism, such as familial hypercholesterolemia.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 83701 involves several detailed steps to ensure accurate measurement and quantitation of lipoproteins and their subclasses. The following steps outline the process:

  • Step 1: Sample Collection A blood sample is obtained from the patient through venipuncture. This step is crucial as it provides the specimen needed for subsequent analysis.
  • Step 2: Sample Preparation The collected blood sample is processed to prepare it for analysis. This may involve the separation of plasma or serum from the cellular components of the blood.
  • Step 3: High Resolution Fractionation The prepared sample undergoes high resolution fractionation, which may utilize techniques such as quantitative electrophoresis or ultracentrifugation. In electrophoresis, an electrical field is applied to separate lipoprotein molecules based on their size and charge.
  • Step 4: Quantitation of Lipoproteins After separation, the lipoproteins are stained and quantified using a densitometer in the case of electrophoresis. If ultracentrifugation is used, the lipoproteins are separated based on their hydrated densities, and the amounts of very low density, low density, and high density lipoproteins are quantified.
  • Step 5: Data Analysis The results of the fractionation and quantitation are analyzed to provide a detailed profile of the lipoprotein subclasses present in the sample, which is essential for clinical decision-making.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure associated with CPT® Code 83701, the patient may not require any specific post-procedure care. However, it is important to monitor the patient for any potential adverse reactions to the venipuncture, such as bruising or discomfort at the site of blood draw. The results of the lipoprotein analysis will typically be reviewed by the healthcare provider, who will discuss the findings with the patient and determine any necessary follow-up actions or treatment adjustments based on the lipoprotein levels and subclasses identified. Additionally, the healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle modifications or further testing if indicated by the results.

Short Descr LIPOPROTEIN BLD HR FRACTION
Medium Descr LIPOPROTEIN BLOOD HIGH RESOLTJ&QUANTJ SUBCLASS
Long Descr Lipoprotein, blood; high resolution fractionation and quantitation of lipoproteins including lipoprotein subclasses when performed (eg, electrophoresis, ultracentrifugation)
Status Code Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies)
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
CLIA Waived (QW) No
APC Status Indicator Conditionally packaged laboratory tests
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology
90 Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
91 Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2006-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2006.
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